Town in Gifu, Japan
Internet in Shirakawa-go: speed, SIM cards and coworking
Is the internet good in Shirakawa-go?
Median fixed broadband in Japan is 234 Mbps and mobile is 66 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Few cafés have wifi; mobile signal is usable in Ogimachi but weaker in the valleys.
Getting online in Shirakawa-go
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Home fibre | No long-term rentals; some guesthouses offer wifi. |
| Cafés and coworking | Few cafés have wifi; mobile signal is usable in Ogimachi but weaker in the valleys. |
| Outages | Snow can cut power and roads for hours |
| Tourist SIM | Data-only SIMs and eSIMs sold at airports and Bic Camera or Yodobashi, about ¥2,000–6,000; voice numbers need a residence card. |
| eSIM | Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors. |
| Carriers | docomo, au, SoftBank, Rakuten Mobile |
| Monthly data plan | ¥2,000–4,000 ($13–25) |
Coworking in Shirakawa-go
There's no dedicated coworking scene here; people work from cafés and accommodation.
Internet speeds in East Asia
National medians, Speedtest Global Index.
| Country | Fixed | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong | 362 Mbps | 89 Mbps |
| Macau | 322 Mbps | — |
| Taiwan | 298 Mbps | 111 Mbps |
| South Korea | 251 Mbps | 251 Mbps |
| China | 238 Mbps | 176 Mbps |
| Japan | 234 Mbps | 66 Mbps |
| Mongolia | 86 Mbps | — |
Quick answers
Is the internet fast in Shirakawa-go?
Median fixed broadband in Japan is 234 Mbps and mobile is 66 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Few cafés have wifi; mobile signal is usable in Ogimachi but weaker in the valleys.
Which SIM card should I get in Shirakawa-go?
Data-only SIMs and eSIMs sold at airports and Bic Camera or Yodobashi, about ¥2,000–6,000; voice numbers need a residence card.
Can I use an eSIM in Japan?
Yes. Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors, and travel eSIMs work too.
More about Shirakawa-go
Going to Shirakawa-go solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Shirakawa-go meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Speedtest Global Index: Japan
- docomo
- au
- SoftBank
- Rakuten Mobile
- Shirakawa-go Tourist Association
- Nohi Bus
- Hokutetsu Bus
Speeds are medians from Ookla's Speedtest Global Index, cited for reference. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.